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contrairement

contrary to

adverb kohn-trehr-MAHN Rare
Grammar & Structure Conjunctions

Usage Note

Contrairement is nearly always followed by à to form the fixed phrase contrairement à ('unlike', 'contrary to'). It sets up a contrast between two things: contrairement à ce qu'on pense ('contrary to what people think'). It is formal and more common in written French than in casual speech.

Examples

"Contrairement à lui, elle aime la pluie."

Natural Translation

Unlike him, she likes the rain.

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